Parkinson’s Foundation Presents Several Studies at 2023 International Congress of Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders®

MIAMI & NEW YORK (August 28, 2023) – The Parkinson’s Foundation will present several scientific posters highlighting research, care and education at the 2023 International Congress of Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders® hosted by the International Parkinson and Movement Disorders Society. Taking place through Aug. 31, in Copenhagen, Denmark, the event brings together thousands of movement disorder specialists – including the top neurologists and Parkinson’s disease (PD) researchers – to share ideas that can evolve the field.

Parkinson’s Foundation poster presentations will include:

Informing People with Parkinson’s of Their Gene Variant Status: PD GENEration, a North American Observational and Registry Study

The PD GENEration: Mapping the Future of Parkinson’s Disease research study offers genetic counseling, in English and Spanish, to people with PD at no cost. The initiative aims to improve access to clinical genetic testing, empowering people with PD, their care teams and loved ones while helping accelerate clinical trials for the disease. The study has enrolled north of 10,500 participants in the U.S., Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and Canada, with preliminary results showing that 12.7% of participants have a genetic tie to PD.

Systematic Screening and Treatment of Depression in Parkinson’s within Movement Disorders Centers: A Quality Improvement Initiative

Depression affects 53% of people with PD, with a significant impact on quality of life. A survey of clinicians at Parkinson’s Foundation Centers of Excellence shows that most locations do not routinely screen for depression and the use of mental health professionals and treatment varies substantially, suggesting that systemic clinical practice changes could improve care. This study demonstrates that, by implementing screenings, improvements can be made to the detection and treatment of depressive symptoms among people with PD.

Understanding Parkinson’s Patients’ and Care Partners’ Palliative Care Knowledge and Preferences

Although people with PD and their care partners have significant palliative care needs, little is known about their preferences and palliative care knowledge. Utilizing interviews, this study sought to better understand their preferences and knowledge as part of a national project implementing outpatient palliative care across Centers of Excellence. Researchers found that people with PD had varying levels of this knowledge, non-movement symptoms were the most challenging aspect of PD management, and noticeable gaps in the delivery of palliative care were identified with a demand for more education and support for these needs.

An International Consensus Statement for Rehabilitation Care in Parkinson’s

Rehabilitation – including physical, occupational and speech therapy – is largely underutilized in PD care and often not considered until later stages of the disease, despite research showing its positive effects on symptoms and quality of life. The Foundation has convened a task force to develop an international consensus statement regarding incorporating multidisciplinary rehab for PD care, addressing fundamental components and establishing paradigms for high-quality delivery.

Parkinson’s Team Training is Beneficial for New and Established PD Centers

The Parkinson’s Foundation Team Training educates care teams on proven PD care practices, including how to maximize teamwork, with the goal of providing more coordinated and complete care that improves the quality of life for those living with the disease. Participants completed surveys beforehand, immediately after and six months after the training to assess learning and the program’s benefits in providing care. Ultimately, the Team Training was shown to have a positive impact on interprofessional team members of both community care and established PD centers.

To view and learn more about Parkinson’s Foundation research findings being presented at the 2023 MDS International Congress visit Parkinson.org/Blog. Find more about the Foundation’s commitment to research at Parkinson.org/Research.